tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53927155419836321962024-02-07T20:59:28.313-06:00Running StitchesCathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-91345531480342824682013-10-08T13:59:00.000-05:002013-10-08T14:20:18.567-05:00Thoughts on Modern Quilting (Does Anybody Care?)<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As introduction I will quote a few prominent quilt bloggers. Please see the links for more on these blogs:</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">WHAT IS MODERN QUILTING - BIG, LONG TREATISE<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">From
Freshly Pieced</span></u><span style="line-height: 115%;"> -
http://www.freshlypieced.com/<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/2013/03/talking-modern.html">http://www.freshlypieced.com/2013/03/talking-modern.html</a></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">“The new
definition, </span></span><a href="http://themodernquiltguild.com/about"><span style="color: windowtext; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">as stated on the MQG
website</span></span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, is as
follows: "Modern quilts are primarily functional and inspired by modern
design. Modern quilters work in different styles and define modern quilting in
different ways, but several characteristics often appear which may help
identify a modern quilt. These include, but are not limited to: the use of bold
colors and prints, high contrast and graphic areas of solid color,
improvisational piecing, minimalism, expansive negative space, and alternate
grid work. 'Modern traditionalism' or the updating of classic quilt designs is
also often seen in modern quilting."”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">From Cut
to Pieces</span></u><span style="line-height: 115%;"> -
http://cuttopieces.blogspot.com/<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://cuttopieces.blogspot.com/2013/03/so-what-is-modern-quilting.html">http://cuttopieces.blogspot.com/2013/03/so-what-is-modern-quilting.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“…their
previous definition of the Modern Quilt movement was:<br />
<br />
"</span><span style="background: rgb(237, 239, 244); line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Modern quilting is a new twist on the traditional
art of quilting. This may mean something as simple as using a traditional quilt
block and updating it in a fresh, fun new way. That includes using modern
fabrics, modifying the block arrangement or even the scale of the block. The
piecing could be improvisational and wonky, or it could be very exact and
measured, following a pattern or creating your won. The quilting could be
traditional stippling, clean straight lines, or a very "free" have fun
and quilt-as-you-go style. Fabrics could be upcycled vintage sheets, custom
digital printed fabric, a yummy selection from one of the new modern fabric
designers, or an old fabric from an ever growing stash.</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="background: rgb(237, 239, 244); line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
“Modern quilting is sometimes difficult to define because in many ways the
definition is as individual as the quilter - changing from quilter to quilter.
In addition to reflecting the individual personality and personal style of the
quilter, it also reflects the current aesthetic of the day.<br />
<br />
“Modern quilting is also about the attitude and the approach that modern
quilters take. It respects the amazing artistry and talent of the tradition of
quilting, while allowing the quilter to challenge the "rules". In
fact, if there were one rule in modern quilting, it would be that there are no
rules.<br />
<br />
“The concept of modern quilting is not meant to divide or segregate. It is
meant to welcome new quilters, of all ages, to the world of quilting in a style
that they can relate to. In many ways, modern quilting takes us back to the
basics of the early quilters, when women of the day used the colors and styles
of their time to express themselves creatively"”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u><span style="background: rgb(237, 239, 244); line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">From Marcus Fabrics</span></u><span style="background: rgb(237, 239, 244); line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"> - <a href="http://www.marcusfabrics.com/">http://www.marcusfabrics.com/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(237, 239, 244); line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://www.marcusfabrics.com/features/articles/modern_quilt_movement.shtml#.UlMCSYwo7cs<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It's been described as the natural
evolution in quilting, and according </span></span><a href="http://www.themodernquiltguild.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Modern Quilt Guild</span></span></b></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> an international organization, modern quilting is a
reflection of one's own style and personality. Even as some say it has its
roots in rebellion ("break-the-rules" quilting), a set of principles
that define and guide the movement, is beginning to shape the concept of the
modern quilt. In general, modern quilts would share some of these
characteristics, to name just a few:<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span><br />
<ul type="disc"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Asymmetry in quilt design<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Frequent use improvisational
piecing<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Bold colors, on-trend color
combinations and graphic prints<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Increased use of solid colors,
including grey and white as neutrals<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Simple, minimalist design using
geometric shapes<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Less emphasis on block repetition<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Increased use of negative space<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
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</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Designs exhibit influences of
modern art and architecture<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
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</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Reinterpreted traditional blocks<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
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</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Unconventional block structures<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
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</span></ul>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">“Even with these seemingly new
approaches to quilting, it's easy to see how the modern movement gathers
inspiration from the past. The artistic, free-style piecing of the Gee's Bend
style of African American quilting, and solid color combinations of Amish quilt
traditions are clearly influencing the movement.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From Piecemeal Quilts</span></u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - http://piecemealquilts.com/<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><a href="http://piecemealquilts.com/2010/02/21/what-is-modern-quilting/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://piecemealquilts.com/2010/02/21/what-is-modern-quilting/</span></span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">“For me, modern
quilting is about a new generation of quilters putting their spin on the
tradition of quiltmaking as a creative yet practical art. Through the years,
quilts have been made for a purpose (warmth). They’ve also been a creative
outlet and a way to add beauty to our lives. Some were made from scraps and
others from found cloth (feedsacks, old clothes) or specially purchased
materials. None of that has changed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The biggest
difference I see is color/fabric choices. Modern quilting leans toward clear
colors rather than grayed colors. Solids are more prevalent. (Based on those
two qualifications, modern quilting is very much like traditional Amish
quilting.) Prints are either very large scale, graphic, or whimsical as opposed
to traditional florals and calicoes. Modern quilting also pairs fabrics much
more… um… <i>adventurously</i>. I also see a change in the patterns. Instead of
representative blocks, like traditional stars, baskets and flowers, they lean
toward geometric designs with less emphasis on symmetry (although there are
also some <i>very</i> symmetrical modern quilts). I also see scale playing a
greater part in modern quilting, either very large or very small. However, I
think a traditional pattern with modern fabrics is more likely to read as
modern than a modern pattern with traditional fabrics.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
<u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From Quilting Gallery</span></u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> – http://quiltinggallery.com/<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pat Sloan discusses various quilts and
quilting styles, including modern, with contributors:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><a href="http://quiltinggallery.com/2012/03/06/quilting-types-and-styles/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://quiltinggallery.com/2012/03/06/quilting-types-and-styles/</span></span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">NOW WE COME TO MY THOUGHTS<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Why would we need another essay on Modern
Quilting?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why has it been on my
mind?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure I can answer the why,
but because it has been on my mind, and those who know me will never accuse me
of being under-analytical, the topic has prodded and prickled and insisted on
some solidification in my brain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Therefore, I write.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I can agree that there is a “modern”
style going on in quilting at present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are various styles, even “genres” if you will, in quilting as in much
of any art, craft or design arena.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Styles are quite definable and recognizable by a person educated in art
or design history.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Some examples of historical design
style are Art Nouveau, Rococo, Victorian, Mid-Century Modern, Arts and Crafts,
French Provincial, Bauhaus, and on and on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you look up design styles, you will find style names applied to
interior design, architectural design, clothing design, fine arts, music and
other performing arts, literature, and a number of other expressionist (a style
in itself!) forms in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
scientific research can fall into a style of work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does each person have his/her own unique
style in life?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In one sense, the style of a quilt is
defined by the way it is constructed rather than the design, such as pieced,
appliqued, whole-cloth, sashiko, embellished, hand or machine quilted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In another sense, the style comes from the
intended use – a bed or lap quilt for warmth and comfort, a wall or art quilt
for aesthetic enjoyment and display.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Often the functions can be interchangeable in the same quilt.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Does the current (say, 2000-present)
modern style stand apart from past modern styles?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That may remain to be seen, when in 10 years
or 20 the current modern style becomes known as Early 21, or Simple Modern, or Young
Modern Movement of the early 2000’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stylistically,
much of the current Modern Quilt movement resembles past design categories
(Amish, Gee’s Bend) with some significant twists in color palettes, print
scales or construction methods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I do
believe there are uniquely recognizable and definable elements that set apart
today’s modern style.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After much internet research of definitions
and mulling in my head, I made and entered a quilt in the AQS Des Moines Quilt
Week Modern Quilt Challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
accepted along with 112 others, and I mailed it off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My sisters and I had already planned to go to
the show this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was exciting to
see my quilt hung in the show, and to enjoy viewing the artistry, skills and
vision of the other entrants (and those in all the other exhibits totaling over
1600 quilts!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I got home, my email
included a notice from AQS that they were going to include a modern category in
each quilt competition for all seven quilt weeks in 2014.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The basic structure of their competition
rules includes two main categories, bed quilts and wall quilts, loosely guided
by size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each division is broken into
further groups of hand quilted or machine quilted, etc. – mostly defining
technique.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The modern category falls in
the wall quilt division though the Modern Quilt Guild includes “primarily functional”
in its definition (which I interpret to mean keeping someone warm.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Because of my conclusions that modern
quilting is a style and not necessarily a brand new beast, I believe AQS is
wrong to define a modern category.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
do not have categories for any other particular style of quilt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they wish to encourage modern style
entries, or feel they need to be judged apart from the rest, then a separate
challenge seems the way to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
one, it seems there is so little agreement on what modern <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">means</i> that any quilt can be claimed as modern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AQS would probably be wise to examine all
their categories and perhaps revise in light of new methods and style
definitions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">However,
lest you read discouragement in these notes, I do not advocate any limits on
what quilters can and wish to do.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The technology of today allows smaller
scale (in the home) yet faster and cleaner production (of just about anything),
hence a huge proliferation of quilts in the world – not a bad thing at
all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can always use more quilts in
this life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Technology also has made
communicating about quilts (and any other hobby or occupation) easier and more
accessible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The advances in such areas
as photography, blogging and internet community, publishing, ease of travel, and
fabric production have all made the world of quilting an exciting and lovely
place to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I don’t believe
these advances are unique to modern quilting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All styles of quilting and design can “benefit” and are benefiting from
the new technologies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So am I attempting to demote or debunk “modern
quilting” by putting it on the same playing field or level as all other
styles?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps it appears so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there is never a reason to disrespect or
demean any quilt, style or quilter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Quilting today is fabulous, traditional (whatever tradition you mean…),
modern, art, or any combination of the above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Each person quilting today is unique, has his/her own unique tastes,
resources, skills, talents and creative capacity, yet puts his/her heart into
each and every quilt made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love that
each quilter is encouraged by all the others, whether by reading beautiful
quilt books, looking at the wonders of quilts on the internet, gathering in
guilds or smaller quilt friend groups, traveling to quilting events, shows,
classes and retreats, visiting fabric shops galore on land and “cloud”, or
being inspired by the treasures of the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Keep up this good work, quilters of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s truly a gift to peace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-50768464484612507122013-09-06T12:25:00.001-05:002013-09-06T12:25:05.180-05:00Summer's EndYes, another summer is coming to a close. Signs of fall are showing every day, including foggy mornings, damp evening breezes, flocking robins, a little bit of gold and brown showing in the trees, earlier sunsets and darker mornings. At this time of year, it seems the memories of past seasons are more intense - maybe I miss the vacation fun, transitions back to school days, reorganizing for a "new" year... the times of changes create deep impressions, perhaps.<br />
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The satisfactions of the last few months are rich - enjoying my family is at the top of the list. A new and darling grandson, two other growing, super-entertaining and lovable grandkids, my beautiful and sweet grown daughters. Settling into ever-deepening friendship with my husband of 37 years, looking into our future with confidence and hope. Keeping connections with my dear sisters.<br />
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My health has been excellent and I've been running more this summer, feeling strong and vital. On the other hand, food planning and diet are a little lacking in excellence. There are too many other things to think about much of the time, so that takes a back seat and I need to improve in that area.<br />
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The second hobby, quilting, makes me very happy. It is often a kind of brain exercise, as well as a source of comfort. I feel I can pass on some beauty and comfort to others by what I make, so the quilt grows from concept to process to product to love (being defined as warmth, connection, care, timelessness, touching - a spirit alive inside material goods, perhaps?... maybe ultimately undefinable in words).<br />
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This past few months (since about March), to pare it down to a list of accomplishments, I've worked on and finished several quilts and small items, including<br />
An I-spy quilt for my new grandson<br />
Several placemats for gifts for my kids and grandkids<br />
Kitchen mats and potholders for gifts<br />
Doll quilts, for fun and gifts<br />
A table runner for my sister<br />
A yellow and bright twirly rails bed quilt made with my co-worker for our part time girl who left for another job<br />
A large red and green lap quilt for my sweet back-neighbors, made mostly from scraps and pieces of thrifted shirts<br />
A jungle animal baby quilt for my mother-in-law to give as a gift<br />
A quilt entered and accepted into the AQS 2013 Modern Challenge, to be displayed at the AQS show in October in Des Moines, IA, and my sister and I will be going to the show!<br />
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At this point, I'm working on some table runners to donate to a Festival of Trees fund raising event, and will be starting another lap quilt for the other backyard neighbor family. Christmas already looms and will provide inspiration and at least one "rush job", I expect.<br />
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I hope to put on some posts with the individual quilt projects, some description of how they were made. Stay tuned!Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-79316593677244495802013-05-19T17:34:00.001-05:002013-05-19T17:42:09.417-05:00Blogger Quilt Festival number two, Two Color QuiltThis quilt was inspired when my sister's guild held a challenge activity a couple of years ago to make red and white quilts. There had been a fabulous exhibition of them and the pictures were fascinating.<br />
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Then a lifelong friend's son was getting married. His new bride is a fashion designer, loves romantic styles and has developed a fine appreciation for hand made and sewn objects. They live in New York City, so the urban influence on their lifestyle would not be neglected. Thinking of a red and white quilt seemed logical, but then I saw their wedding registry included red and gray color schemes.<br />
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I wanted to make a bold statement, yet a traditional design and something they would be able to use. I chose a traditional block, Jacob's Ladder, and came up with an original arrangement of the blocks. The red fabric is a glowing print, and the gray is Kona cotton. The back is a red roses on red print, a wide backing fabric. It is 5x5 12 inch blocks plus two borders, about 80" square. Even though I made 25 identical, two-color blocks, I did not get bored making this quilt. I quilted it with red thread on my Jewel long arm.<br />
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I've entered this into the <a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/2013/05/17/bloggers-quilt-festival-two-color-quilts/" target="_blank">Blogger Quilt Festival</a> as my second contribution.<br />
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<span id="goog_1168290666"></span><span id="goog_1168290667"></span><br />Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-80958465362136991252013-05-19T16:57:00.001-05:002013-05-19T17:42:09.419-05:00Blogger Quilt Festival<a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/2013/05/17/bloggers-quilt-festival-group-or-bee-quilts/" target="_blank">Quilt festival once again!</a><br />
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Check the fabulous quilts on the quilt festival!</div>
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This quilt is made from blocks I received in the Bee Pieceful Flickr bee in 2010. It took me a couple of years to decide the setting, make the rest of the parts and quilt it. I now use it on my guest bed. Thanks to all the ladies who participated in that bee.<br />
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Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-42260278671492323772013-03-03T19:41:00.000-06:002013-03-03T19:43:32.124-06:00March OnMarch has arrived, hard to believe. We spent the first day in Chicago for medical appointment. It was decent weather. Also enjoyed dinner with DD#1's in-laws, a nice visit.<br />
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Yesterday I sewed a dress for G for Easter. I hope it fits. In my memory, it was easier to sew for children when they were around to check fit as I sewed. Anyway, it won't be too small, so she can wear it eventually if it's too big now.<br />
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Here are some photos of my bird medallion quilt that my sister and I did "round robin." I made the center, she added 1, I added 1, she added another, I added the last parts - the flying geese border and the darker green print border. The quilting was finished awhile ago, but I haven't had opportunity to take any photos until today. I've been enjoying this quilt on the couch these past few cold weeks. My sister and I have both become smitten with making medallions now - it is quite challenging yet the results are so wonderful, no matter what you decide to do next.<br />
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I've been working on a special secret project, too. And a fun activity lately has been putting together strips and scraps to make some potholders and "chunks" to be used in something fabulous, I'm sure.<br />
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I hear it is supposed to snow again later this week. I wish it would warm up a bit so I would get motivated to run more.Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-20324258250081711062013-02-20T13:41:00.003-06:002013-02-20T13:41:42.751-06:0052 Lists #1This appeals to me, so I am making some lists.<br />
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Starting with something easy - Places I have Lived<br />
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<ol>
<li>Alexandria, VA</li>
<li>Grand Rapids, MI</li>
<li>Peoria, IL</li>
<li>Normal, IL</li>
<li>Bloomington, IL</li>
<li>Hudson, IL</li>
</ol>
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Or<br />
<ol>
<li>My mom and dad's house</li>
<li>My college dorm</li>
<li>My apartment</li>
<li>My and my husband's home</li>
</ol>
Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-38471708357102888462013-02-20T13:19:00.001-06:002013-02-20T13:26:33.859-06:00Quilts Lately<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieW89NbrMk_WuajLT_9O-yMx3IOiX_CiIZ8voB4u9Jc-iLiUtnKik9srUr_PQJCVwfyawaZMEBQK-1kf5I_fRhb9m8cHvBLNGSnAorGVtq-FzbO3oKibcJuK9Mq0ixsh8ERVx-tCNf1iU/s1600/pink+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieW89NbrMk_WuajLT_9O-yMx3IOiX_CiIZ8voB4u9Jc-iLiUtnKik9srUr_PQJCVwfyawaZMEBQK-1kf5I_fRhb9m8cHvBLNGSnAorGVtq-FzbO3oKibcJuK9Mq0ixsh8ERVx-tCNf1iU/s320/pink+bird.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWoH9ZtBQc7Du8djuROp9h3bo0qDc-dSUbfWoXv-XHTIeI8DYrqvdadmqc26PRsIP6htdcYHAmSL7JrYkuIKa4DgkRDVHledqcFAtjJ6txHcf8hL2ijPI8uv8_v80ZJgyUqDSJbN7MPo/s1600/6-27-12+029.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWoH9ZtBQc7Du8djuROp9h3bo0qDc-dSUbfWoXv-XHTIeI8DYrqvdadmqc26PRsIP6htdcYHAmSL7JrYkuIKa4DgkRDVHledqcFAtjJ6txHcf8hL2ijPI8uv8_v80ZJgyUqDSJbN7MPo/s320/6-27-12+029.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4Eo5LGrEgDCif2VN2FOYcSLcQ1SXATMyCtb5onOcE2ly8PXcRn6Qp1cIrHJ6VUw0co0akfJwWXgK3VtZGmAnMdxYn8AI6EWunX20neif9xvCjx4Ie2VYZysE5Yz_okiyBnEgoFRZOCo/s1600/6-27-12+003.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4Eo5LGrEgDCif2VN2FOYcSLcQ1SXATMyCtb5onOcE2ly8PXcRn6Qp1cIrHJ6VUw0co0akfJwWXgK3VtZGmAnMdxYn8AI6EWunX20neif9xvCjx4Ie2VYZysE5Yz_okiyBnEgoFRZOCo/s320/6-27-12+003.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmm-8sscPG_IJ1VBmGZUsSHm1O2gfiTRwlIwzx397P5pJba-denhNIAWAjD_DD7rW6Le5pGQ4pFkgLsb6rBzKxgglITidQx5RnYfvLogE-tzpGmrCRWgCbhGLRusO5ETxTI1ADdCXKoU/s1600/DSCN0891.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmm-8sscPG_IJ1VBmGZUsSHm1O2gfiTRwlIwzx397P5pJba-denhNIAWAjD_DD7rW6Le5pGQ4pFkgLsb6rBzKxgglITidQx5RnYfvLogE-tzpGmrCRWgCbhGLRusO5ETxTI1ADdCXKoU/s320/DSCN0891.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkB9nlK2FjnXerGfxfblXcSzVNri7rnjzHo5U8bvWes1hfRx56aq8NBmq5G_vSSFDxYfu5C2agQgT-e3X4XsAkXtN-2xfzi91Cwh8W9jsOULWFNl10YCnncHvvwI-Xed9x_nqwhU1aP4/s1600/medallion+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkB9nlK2FjnXerGfxfblXcSzVNri7rnjzHo5U8bvWes1hfRx56aq8NBmq5G_vSSFDxYfu5C2agQgT-e3X4XsAkXtN-2xfzi91Cwh8W9jsOULWFNl10YCnncHvvwI-Xed9x_nqwhU1aP4/s320/medallion+finished.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgjTCBmWZBhEiR0EMStrwdiOdPB1zNieU1VkuUkosU03YcwzNFLpMLV2leK96N-BXP5Q312u1hmQWptqCR2b7Zt7v89W6QV3qgsRxQApqAjyn603KONJlc3DvL-Ve4cbLqkfSucf8Gds/s1600/x6-2012+007.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgjTCBmWZBhEiR0EMStrwdiOdPB1zNieU1VkuUkosU03YcwzNFLpMLV2leK96N-BXP5Q312u1hmQWptqCR2b7Zt7v89W6QV3qgsRxQApqAjyn603KONJlc3DvL-Ve4cbLqkfSucf8Gds/s320/x6-2012+007.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLF6ruMFpacQqdcplhOSK9QQeYF1sUHWgTeFPorgjVY8vUsnX07_JyX8scdCsAd504_50jsGuwBXJwhwCG5N0EM1BsrENG_xoNH09RfirCnx0m-CpiefOJMKsCWIZhZeeOB1dPXstd74/s1600/x10-22-11+017.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLF6ruMFpacQqdcplhOSK9QQeYF1sUHWgTeFPorgjVY8vUsnX07_JyX8scdCsAd504_50jsGuwBXJwhwCG5N0EM1BsrENG_xoNH09RfirCnx0m-CpiefOJMKsCWIZhZeeOB1dPXstd74/s320/x10-22-11+017.jpg" /></a><br />
It has been months since last posting. I have not disappeared. Many of my projects have come and gone, but I'm still here making more. The year of 2012 was hectic and full. I work for an election authority, and the presidential primary and election took up many hours, and what time was left I preferred to spend with family, running or sewing/quilting, hence barely any time for chores and none for keeping a record of any of it!
I would like to add some photos of recent (within the last year) quilts and sewing productivity, just to keep it all in one place.
<br />
<br />
From Top:<br />
<ol>
<li>Pink bird-in-center medallion - started out as free piecing/wonky style, which I abandoned because it was trying me. Then it never straightened out as I wished. Finished for 3 yr. old granddaughter.</li>
<li>Puss-in-corner blocks I arranged in strips, using up lots of nice fabrics I had bought with no purpose in mind. It was a great project to use up my family room floor when my hubby was out of town for a week in summer 2012. As of now, not quilted yet.</li>
<li>Sampler made from blocks sent to me in a Flickr bee in 2010. Love this color scheme! Finished and using on my guest bed, 2012.</li>
<li>Red Fiesta - Most of the medallion round robin I did with my sister last summer, 2012. She started this one, we took turns and she put on the last round but has not yet quilted it.</li>
<li>Bird-in-center medallion quilt which my sister also did with me. This one is my center, took turns adding. Shown is the last round I put on, including 72 flying geese. It is now quilted and my OWN couch quilt. More pictures later.</li>
<li>Red and Charcoal Jacob's Ladder, summer 2012. Made for a wedding gift for the son of some of our oldest friends. I didn't get bored making 25 identical 2-color blocks. It is sort of a modern Amish style. As far as I know, the block arrangement is my original idea (interlocking forks), as I never saw one like it.</li>
<li>Maple Leaf - my sister and I each made several leaf blocks and setting blocks, then got together at her house to put them together and make the piano key border. This was given to our brother and his new wife. They love trees, birds, and music - she plays piano and sings. All the prints have leaves, feathers or birds.</li>
</ol>
I'll try to find some better and more photos to record for posterity (is blogging historically permanent?)<br />
<br />
So long for now!<br />
<br />Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-78866794248258040752011-10-19T21:23:00.007-05:002011-10-19T21:46:37.368-05:00Some Quilt History<span style="font-family:verdana;">I think I could title this one, What Have I Been Doing Besides Blogging? ...or I better put this info on my blog before it becomes like<em> Ancient</em> History!<br /><br />The photos are displaying in the reverse order as I uploaded them, so you get most recent news first. This top layout is made from 12 of the blocks I received in April 2010 (1.5 yrs. ago - maybe it is ancient already!) The flickr group is called </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1121171@N25/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Bee Pieceful</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">. I finally figured out a setting design and made the setting pieces the last couple of days. It should go together fast from this point. Sometimes the thinking takes up a lot more time than the actual sewing. I will not include the table legs in the final construction.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665395160687274242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kPSe31w40vXG2mXjSMIcu2_UcUC2nyZc987xX3qRfZqvJGjcH7Pm7tzuTtqpoR4mp8QbmZdyFUMl_zWzSi7GGJxq1J85rwfVDBJbDRfD9Kd_O6Lo2zKLF2ae4htrp6D8jwUAjAJk7g0/s320/x10-19-11+003.jpg" /><br />This is a top I finished putting together a few days ago (my co-worker is inspiring or shaming me into getting busy on my projects, hence the high output in the last weeks or two). The centers of wonky log cabins are fussy-cut out of some old scraps I found in my ancient 4-H sewing workshop materials (I was the teacher, not the student - so they aren't prehistorically old.) I started putting together the blocks about 5 months ago. A picture in a book inspired me to go for the black stripey sashing, and that was motivation to find fabric, cut sashing, decide on borders, and finish up the top.<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cMQKrrteBwtd6r7vvfgPQiq5efckg3NtSeg4JMWebw68EVRnDlpDKvHYg_aPzcCvKApnqv3-McBx2q1wA6rxc3yWoHqVhgBpR0CxGI0-BsZfmaB0My-p5vgOn7ogmPv2RfLGEwiSNZE/s1600/x10-17-11+002.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665395149450126946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cMQKrrteBwtd6r7vvfgPQiq5efckg3NtSeg4JMWebw68EVRnDlpDKvHYg_aPzcCvKApnqv3-McBx2q1wA6rxc3yWoHqVhgBpR0CxGI0-BsZfmaB0My-p5vgOn7ogmPv2RfLGEwiSNZE/s320/x10-17-11+002.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> This is a finished quilt I made for DD#1. The nine patches are made from a charm pack I received as a birthday gift on my last birthday one year ago, so that was fairly quick - less than one year from pieces to finished!<br /><br /></span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgccUEmNU671nOW9HWSoubly3wYEte-Z7FwTbbFt9NxcfMuDVZO-lQhnvGzIaqFdoIdHnOViTSUJrXqwXhNWv1eWTD_qvW06TK7P3c-XFR6tr8XY4h6FiQdUri-R1KyyHU0u97DyJm9Q/s1600/x8-23-11+002.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665395139899509730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgccUEmNU671nOW9HWSoubly3wYEte-Z7FwTbbFt9NxcfMuDVZO-lQhnvGzIaqFdoIdHnOViTSUJrXqwXhNWv1eWTD_qvW06TK7P3c-XFR6tr8XY4h6FiQdUri-R1KyyHU0u97DyJm9Q/s320/x8-23-11+002.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> The next two pictures are the back and front of a baby quilt made for my first great niece. She was born in March and I sent it to her in July, so at least she was still a baby! The pattern is simple and these prints were fun to work with. The back has a pretty, girly print of butterflies.</span></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5ozqwx5ja3stHfADKcWPmJM93jNpHOO-KS-d2YPHX2O1hzSsjD4-AS88VS5wO_maD6jkG9U8PSiYxvvcy7VMYCzBwNPjaJSQnhyphenhyphenHDkOU1LC8aMtYx_BlVgyXL-cNete_IjvLMTgNc3A/s1600/x7-17-11+008.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 192px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665395132813330178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5ozqwx5ja3stHfADKcWPmJM93jNpHOO-KS-d2YPHX2O1hzSsjD4-AS88VS5wO_maD6jkG9U8PSiYxvvcy7VMYCzBwNPjaJSQnhyphenhyphenHDkOU1LC8aMtYx_BlVgyXL-cNete_IjvLMTgNc3A/s320/x7-17-11+008.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WOPk7xQ5nieUqao3LHvFlakKSx5jnlkLqKInLx8C-k_iXglvF4iMD5bZUsiOm2PwqonMqg9aUkC0mMwJ_tjvcPcPmPz2qYdeVy1qGd-pawzzGDtSwrbRYZrlTk7ldc_iNDBfERnGKRA/s1600/x7-17-11+006.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 233px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665395127482313874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WOPk7xQ5nieUqao3LHvFlakKSx5jnlkLqKInLx8C-k_iXglvF4iMD5bZUsiOm2PwqonMqg9aUkC0mMwJ_tjvcPcPmPz2qYdeVy1qGd-pawzzGDtSwrbRYZrlTk7ldc_iNDBfERnGKRA/s320/x7-17-11+006.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />I hope I haven't repeated old news here. I definitely need to keep track of this blog a lot better than I have been. It is a good record of my projects, finished or not!</span></div></div></div>Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-19528432415894444702011-09-18T21:49:00.002-05:002011-10-19T21:23:42.721-05:00Melissa Kuber Lederer inspired<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /><div style="POSITION: relative; WIDTH: 500px; HEIGHT: 500px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/melissa_kuber_lederer_inspired/set?.embedder=687196&.mid=embed&id=37244039"><img title="Melissa Kuber Lederer inspired" border="0" alt="Melissa Kuber Lederer inspired" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/37244039/id/HNcRA2ri4BGw_8U8DTN7zA/size/x.jpg" width="500" height="500" force="1" /></a></div><br /><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/melissa_kuber_lederer_inspired/set?.embedder=687196&.mid=embed&id=37244039">Melissa Kuber Lederer inspired</a> by <a href="http://cjhaab.polyvore.com/?.embedder=687196&.mid=embed">cjhaab</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/plaid_shoes/shop?query=plaid+shoes">plaid shoes</a></small><small><br /></small><small><br /><p style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0em; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; CLEAR: both; PADDING-TOP: 0px"></p></small></div>Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-50041932726075762522011-08-11T13:10:00.002-05:002011-08-11T15:05:20.329-05:00fall mustard with plum,wine options<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<br /><div style="POSITION: relative; WIDTH: 500px; HEIGHT: 500px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/fall_mustard_with_plum_wine/set?.embedder=687196&.mid=embed&id=35446191"><img title="fall mustard with plum,wine options" border="0" alt="fall mustard with plum,wine options" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/35446191/id/-LiyQkXE4BGuvGK6Af5cfQ/size/x.jpg" width="500" height="500" force="1" /></a></div>
<br /><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/fall_mustard_with_plum_wine/set?.embedder=687196&.mid=embed&id=35446191">fall mustard with plum,wine options</a> by <a href="http://cjhaab.polyvore.com/?.embedder=687196&.mid=embed">cjhaab</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/long_sleeve_tops/shop?query=long+sleeve+tops">long sleeve tops</a></small>
<br /><small></small>
<br /><small>Just looking at some different color combinations for fall.</small><small>
<br /></small><small>
<br /><p style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0em; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; CLEAR: both; PADDING-TOP: 0px"></p></small></div>Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-89993187154901019402011-07-01T14:18:00.001-05:002011-07-01T14:28:23.688-05:00Hot, But It's Friday!Linking to Susanne's <a href="http://susannesspace.blogspot.com/2011/07/fridays-fave-five-145.html">Living to Tell the Story</a>, for another Fave Five. A nice way to remember my gratitudes each week, and just about the only blog posts I'm doing right now.<br /><br />This week's five favorite things:<br />1. Had the BEST time with our granddaughter and also spent time with her mommy, daddy and baby brother when we took her home on Sunday. She stole our hearts once more by declaring all the way to her home, "I need to go Gramma Grampa's house!"<br />2. Pretty weather early in the week. Ran Monday and Tuesday since I skipped the weekend. Enjoyed sitting on the deck in th evenings and quiet companionship of Drh. I did crosswords and he read.<br />3. Helped clean out and organize the church library one evening. We filled a big garbage barrel and some smaller trash cans, but ended up with shiny shelves of useable, attractive books for reading, and ministry resources. I like our church to look modern, inviting and homey to anyone who enters.<br />4. For some reason I have been efficient and productive this week. One morning I washed windows before work, and kept up with the dishes, laundry and other tidying chores. Home feels welcoming when it's neat and fresh.<br />5. Multi-item Fave: I have today off, so a four-day weekend. Drh always has Friday off. Today instead of sleeping late, I convinced him to beat the heat and we got outside early, trimmed all the bushes, borrowed a tree trimmer from a friend and trimmed trees, loaded up all the trimmings on the friend's trailer and served ice tea to ourselves and two helpers, all before 10 a.m., and it was still nice out!<br /><br />Have a good weekend, Happy 4th of July, stay cool!Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-52983011965172650362011-06-24T20:42:00.005-05:002011-06-24T20:56:53.052-05:00Friday, Sweet Summer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwB3fqccBzz_5O-tSCkjoMzsIyTV3yJ8A7_nfKgO82aUVmHvm8YpYn_OsHn7Q0csxEgjuH95I1y9_K0Uccrb78vVvIFnN6Xawz3Xb3LxThytM0vvbkcjdblQIRZiV3RYU44b_XHH4L3sM/s1600/x6-24-11+002.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 244px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621969713987588354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwB3fqccBzz_5O-tSCkjoMzsIyTV3yJ8A7_nfKgO82aUVmHvm8YpYn_OsHn7Q0csxEgjuH95I1y9_K0Uccrb78vVvIFnN6Xawz3Xb3LxThytM0vvbkcjdblQIRZiV3RYU44b_XHH4L3sM/s320/x6-24-11+002.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Fave Five for a sweet summer Friday (not necessarily in chronological or any other order this week!):<br /><br />1. G has come for the weekend! I'll spare you the cute stories of 2-year-old amazingness!<br /><br />2. Saturday I ran in a race and was amazed at the consistency of my pace recorded by my Garmin! It's not the fastest I've ever run that course, but certainly the most consistently. It was a fun time with friends, always a great start to the weekend to run early Saturday.<br /><br />3. Sunday turned out so nice that we took a motorcycle ride again, spent some lazy, quiet minutes just watching people take their boats in and out of the Illinois River, ate out before we headed home.<br /><br />4. Enjoyed some summer food this week: grilled ham, cheese and tomatoes; BLT's; wonderful melon new to me called canary melon; strawberries; rhubarb pudding. MMMM. And since I'm upping my fruit/veggie intake and really cutting out sweets esp. at work, I <em>think</em> I've dropped the 3 lbs. I wanted to.<br /><br />5. Took one morning off to help a church friend clean out the office. We are on the trustees committee, which is responsible for the care of the building. We both like to organize and update records, so it was good to declutter some old supplies and outdated catalogs which won't be used, put some stuff away where it belongs in other parts of the building, and review what records were in the desk. A good job done!<br /><br />Have a great weekend, enjoy the weather and the summer food, and check out Fave Fives of other grateful ladies at Susanne's <a href="http://susannesspace.blogspot.com/2011/06/fridays-fave-five-144.html">Living to Tell the Story</a>. Thanks for hosting, Susanne.Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-90526932911523253062011-06-21T21:04:00.002-05:002011-06-24T21:05:23.215-05:00What to Wear with Cobalt Skinnies<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /><div style="POSITION: relative; WIDTH: 500px; HEIGHT: 500px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/what_to_wear_with_cobalt/set?.embedder=687196&.mid=embed&id=32981581"><img title="What to Wear with Cobalt Skinnies" border="0" alt="What to Wear with Cobalt Skinnies" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/32981581/id/9LvT1HOc4BGdf9QjTaoh8g/size/x.jpg" width="500" height="500" force="1" /></a></div><br /><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/what_to_wear_with_cobalt/set?.embedder=687196&.mid=embed&id=32981581">What to Wear with Cobalt Skinnies</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.embedder=687196&.mid=embed&id=687196">cjhaab</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/scoop_neck_tops/shop?query=scoop+neck+tops">scoop neck tops</a></small><small><br /></small><small><br /><p style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0em; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; CLEAR: both; PADDING-TOP: 0px"></p></small></div>Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-67314643933062107212011-06-17T21:27:00.006-05:002011-06-17T21:52:01.476-05:00Friday, a Quiet DayI've had today and yesterday off work. It has been quiet since Drh is out of town. Time to think, take a nap, sew, eat on my own hours. I miss him, but a little time alone doesn't bother me either.<br /><br />Today I looked back on the week for five favorites, and I'm grateful for:<br /><br />1. Had a nice time and perfect weather for the family reunion on Sunday, as well as celebrating my in-laws 62nd wedding anniversary (see earlier post on celebrations.)<br />2. My sweet grandchildren, ages 2-yrs., and 3-months. Both are healthy, growing, happy, and the 2-yr.-old is a total hoot. Funny, smart and cute as a button. (I know, I know, so are your grandkids... :-))<br />3. Got some shopping done for myself and for birthday gifts, and had time to do it in a leisurely fashion. Dang, I forgot to get a father's day card for my f-i-l!<br />4. Ran both Tuesday and Thursday evenings. We're having continued good weather!<br />5. Stopped at the farmers' market Tuesday after work and bought fresh veggies, which I made into a delicious ragout and served with leftover corn casserole which I pretended was polenta. Today I went to get groceries and bought crab salad, which I had with a fresh tomato, broccoli and rosemary potato bread for supper. I hope those two yummy, healthy meals overcome the effects of the McDonald's hamburger and fries I had Wednesday!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619385870719898370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis00bPufmCk5zpB9yXLvSE9Xje4sPLJr2y8NSuLo53Dtgmb1xKZD96DUo_QxsO4xMHh-8K1Vt53aUZ3oCSVSN7TFPtdSFSEUH6BX1APiLxJUSqbc96jQjGK-q_QUC7QpsUGQlFnmJa9-Q/s320/x6-14-11+006.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619385600340785458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzpYcY0Ks7eQ18RvVna8tjxAtk2ucX1ifNDy2xcREBnAbA5kUDTq-Hy229I36Fk67ul_5Qz0tW08wUOGX6NRbWQSJ1h2O4nvSEo05S2XKRmXFXUIfBk919M2PC68U0oBO9Fl9t1vwwTE/s320/x6-18-11+001.jpg" /><br />and just have to add #6. Did some sewing and made my hubby some boxers for summer pjs. Aren't they cute?<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 144px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619386080640180898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcrtJYt1u0xtUJ-xWdCkqqpX3YW9GMvNnCdSJ9ukbjdkyFQr_jQRNw9aWs7QbeGEwsWciC5KjGQpqubDG5zkwS6P7XrTUywii03NJxHcFzML7jcKQ-7mTiJPyKCUQWwbBqXYhyw8O7D8/s320/x6-18-11+002.jpg" /> </p><br /><p>As usual, visit Susanne at <a href="http://susannesspace.blogspot.com/2011/06/fridays-fave-five-143_17.html">Living to Tell the Story</a> for other Fave Fives on Friday!</p>Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-32044882534876599232011-06-12T21:32:00.003-05:002011-06-12T21:43:40.777-05:00Fave Five, Friday Again!Fave Five of this week, though I know I'm a couple days late. But the attitude of gratitude is theraputic, so I will write my faves anyway - it's good for the soul.<br /><br />1. Celebrated our 35th (!!!) wedding anniversary on Sunday by having a quiet day at home, and then going for a motorcycle ride and eating supper and a piece of pie at a local family diner.<br />2. My older daughter turned 31 this week - she's the happy, healthy, smart and funny, stay-at-home mom of two sweeties, and wife of a fine man.<br />3. The weather was kind by turning cool at the end of the week so we were able to turn off the air and sleep with the windows open.<br />4. Saturday morning I got up early and left home at 6:15, drove to a lake, ran 5 miles which was around it and then some on a side road, and then helped at a small 5K race with the finish line team from my run club. I hadn't helped with a finish line before, but now I've learned something new, and it was fun. AND while I was running, I saw bluebirds, wild turkeys and chicks, a deer, a beautiful black and blue butterfly (dead on the road, but sparkling - also a dead frog-ick), and a pair of cedar waxwings collecting grass for a nest.<br />5. Enjoyed going with Drh and a friend to hear a western swing band at a free outside concert downtown Saturday evening. The music and company were entertaining, and I always love to "people watch."<br /><br />Hope you had a good week filled with happy times worth celebrating, enjoying nature and friendships. Check out the other Faves on <a href="http://susannesspace.blogspot.com/2011/06/fridays-fave-five-141_10.html">Living to Tell the Story</a> by Susanne.Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-68100903282404795092011-06-12T20:49:00.004-05:002011-06-12T21:30:23.845-05:00Pentecost and Other Celebrations<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeuwm9Em9IJ_JWfNFq-zwjxXdOvrdm2crjWkyKxn4-EpEXH4jFFc7pAHv5RcvuqbOsz3p53HxVcUYkXJK2roOAnEf6G9vwMqpaNWkb1iQZDsylLqlpbENmKS5cMu4uc1t9fo2Wh-LQAc/s1600/x6-12-11+018.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617522026581194978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeuwm9Em9IJ_JWfNFq-zwjxXdOvrdm2crjWkyKxn4-EpEXH4jFFc7pAHv5RcvuqbOsz3p53HxVcUYkXJK2roOAnEf6G9vwMqpaNWkb1iQZDsylLqlpbENmKS5cMu4uc1t9fo2Wh-LQAc/s320/x6-12-11+018.jpg" /></a> Today I went to my in-law's "cousins reunion." This is a gathering of about 50-60 of the kids and grandkids, and now great grandkids of my father-in-law's side (his two brothers and one sister, plus one deceased brother). We gather every year to enjoy our family friendships. Drh left this morning right after church on a mission trip to Tennessee with a group from church, so he didn't go this year. He had mixed feelings about missing it, of course, but decided he should travel with the group. The picture is of my in-laws with their branch who attended today. On the left are our two daughters and their husbands, one holding my 3-mo. old grandson; then my m-i-l; then my brother-in-law and his wife (their daughters and families couldn't come since they live out of the state); then me with my 2 yr.-old granddaughter; then my f-i-l.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617522035745280178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvSLGk3ZA6tlhfwJfJxjq20wsAcY23bdr956BRx3VSDgyAmrCeDUWJeq3scAwjtbtrdbHPPJz3yeF2tx38Esr7nzyrclEXNdQ07jlEIDTCQFqntJnOjhmmcomBs2_h4L3JJT8QUMRNzc/s320/x6-12-11+032.jpg" /><br />This is my father and mother-in-law. They celebrated their 62nd anniversary today, and also we talked of their anniversary 2 years ago, when my f-i-l was in the hospital recovering from a very serious heart attack, which happened in the restroom at the hospital right before he was supposed to check in for a stress test. We know he wouldn't have made it if medical help was not immediately given. Fortunately he recovered well, and we celebrated with cake and milk in his hospital room.<br /><br />The church celebrates its birthday on Pentecost. According to Acts 2, this is when the gift of the Holy Spirit was given and continues today to empower the people of the church to carry out God's work in his kingdom here on earth. The color of Pentecost and the liturgical season is red, and below are pictures showing the pulpit and altar cloths I made after the design of the stained glass window. The quilting stitch pattern is meant to look like flames.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFsfysIM3bPu40q6dbRzvZjMvh3Qwtv8fb7r21-LKRhqxcHcAlJoefeawm3jZ5iyAfXU8s9KYwFiKfTOuTJY1tKnOOIovYY01vNvMG1P_Otwt7lrqRKA7Ejhq1YlsZyEhUh0mLGiI8B4/s1600/x6-9-11+006.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617522022716631266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFsfysIM3bPu40q6dbRzvZjMvh3Qwtv8fb7r21-LKRhqxcHcAlJoefeawm3jZ5iyAfXU8s9KYwFiKfTOuTJY1tKnOOIovYY01vNvMG1P_Otwt7lrqRKA7Ejhq1YlsZyEhUh0mLGiI8B4/s320/x6-9-11+006.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzAjE8LdMOipkCE_3OG3uA3Z-7LDXwLHhfBFz1i6A1n7DbdqX4S5NBP-CWAEnuC1-I-l0zkZMF4AYHtCvtXFM7ZvcjLoFC9GwV1VlpkpXUJ115hVuTeyALVfep9VBNDiCKgtUXcrtjHk/s1600/x6-9-11+003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617522018948445058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzAjE8LdMOipkCE_3OG3uA3Z-7LDXwLHhfBFz1i6A1n7DbdqX4S5NBP-CWAEnuC1-I-l0zkZMF4AYHtCvtXFM7ZvcjLoFC9GwV1VlpkpXUJ115hVuTeyALVfep9VBNDiCKgtUXcrtjHk/s320/x6-9-11+003.jpg" /></a>Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-64305930089290350312011-06-03T10:53:00.007-05:002011-06-03T11:14:54.858-05:00Friday Fave Five - I'm Back!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDYamL8RcVezBgMvZIpTvYfOEqc6Hrz1aJvIWBW7P71L9MAarM0tuDFgNsZOzoDK62uCnnW8co78KNPPeTZGkgA4EAAZeab6M_4AmeJqKwEXOiU8UTeog3fmtdQq5d7o_1Jgv-oq1wpA/s1600/window+002.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614024728534915618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDYamL8RcVezBgMvZIpTvYfOEqc6Hrz1aJvIWBW7P71L9MAarM0tuDFgNsZOzoDK62uCnnW8co78KNPPeTZGkgA4EAAZeab6M_4AmeJqKwEXOiU8UTeog3fmtdQq5d7o_1Jgv-oq1wpA/s320/window+002.jpg" /></a> Above is the window in our church above the altar. I've been making altar and pulpit paraments inspired by the design, so check back later for photos of them.<br /><br />I've posted before on my Fave Five, but it's been a long time! Due to work and family busy times, I took a break from my blog for several months, and missed it. Not that many people read it and missed it, but to me it's a good journal and record of my days, thoughts, and home and sewing projects. So if no one reads it, that's okay with me!<br /><br />This week I had some favorite times:<br />1. Got to eat supper with and spend time with friends on Sunday. They cooked chicken on the grill, and we also had potato salad, broccoli salad, and lemon cake. MMM - the tastes of summer!<br /><br />2. Memorial Day off and a quiet day at home finishing up some sewing projects. It was nice to not have to be somewhere or do something on a time schedule for a whole day.<br /><br />3. It didn't storm/rain either Tuesday or Thursday after work, so I could run as planned. Keeping up with my running always makes me happy.<br /><br />4. New tshirts from the sale table at Old Navy with fabric to match for pj bottoms in the works - I'll be extremely cute and comfy when no one can even see me!<br /><br />5. Drinking morning coffee with my hubby on our days off recently, including today. In the busyness of the last several months, we have missed this time to converse and connect at the beginning of the day.<br /><br />Enjoy the day, and some other Fave Fives at Susanne's <a href="http://susannesspace.blogspot.com/">Living to Tell the Story</a> today!Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-19543164406154259622011-05-30T15:09:00.005-05:002011-05-30T15:21:35.987-05:00Finished Quilting a Fun Quilt<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeA-WYWLJ2eHYub2GLABqaNCq8eCdcB7-k6ULFoxSaH_8-SYbUpITkXHmtjoTjUsvCeACcnQxS8TzdrJEd6S36_bevb0hGmhhAB7Kw4D1gnyfVson2b6f1WQDefnm5GYa9cO3R7-AW-fU/s1600/x5-30-11+012.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612606256124507906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeA-WYWLJ2eHYub2GLABqaNCq8eCdcB7-k6ULFoxSaH_8-SYbUpITkXHmtjoTjUsvCeACcnQxS8TzdrJEd6S36_bevb0hGmhhAB7Kw4D1gnyfVson2b6f1WQDefnm5GYa9cO3R7-AW-fU/s320/x5-30-11+012.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfd0jYs250hmw7dhT_V3oukAFGXhBkoMmz25RsFYsrrPAuQ9-InmwSwx-X-X_5dH-T99lKxDSu2JqtGvPj9CT02OEebxFmz7nzrbeJO8mph7wrMpTcaffGOXO-bA-m-ZlkgDpk-s6RJo/s1600/x5-30-11+007.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612606255934981378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfd0jYs250hmw7dhT_V3oukAFGXhBkoMmz25RsFYsrrPAuQ9-InmwSwx-X-X_5dH-T99lKxDSu2JqtGvPj9CT02OEebxFmz7nzrbeJO8mph7wrMpTcaffGOXO-bA-m-ZlkgDpk-s6RJo/s320/x5-30-11+007.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTtPT1zOooyHwUrgaoeAtIKOjibeUtYxdYQaMWTajj39fnOglILnmJ3VUIl-qC1hs5ZrhjH70T-Vrt0a_-1ocdwwJQ0ug5r618nRb_5xbiRsb7jceQVN_kvI9JXnVFw1GZ49R67yQams/s1600/x5-30-11+005.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612606252487004930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTtPT1zOooyHwUrgaoeAtIKOjibeUtYxdYQaMWTajj39fnOglILnmJ3VUIl-qC1hs5ZrhjH70T-Vrt0a_-1ocdwwJQ0ug5r618nRb_5xbiRsb7jceQVN_kvI9JXnVFw1GZ49R67yQams/s320/x5-30-11+005.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>This quilt started out as an idea to simply use up some of my fabric abundance (overstock). I pulled out several fat quarters that coordinated in color, and started cutting them. My inspiration was the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rule-Breaking-Quilts-Kathryn-Schmidt/dp/1574326562/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1306786327&sr=1-1">Rule-Breaking Quilts by Kathryn Schmidt</a>. I was making blocks and they turned out to be odd sizes - 9x8.5, 10.5x9, 8.5 in. square, etc. None were really uniform. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Then L saw my beginnings and claimed the quilt. She pulled out more fabrics, I made some wonky 9-patches to add more variety, and used various strips and scraps to make some of the little checkerboard areas. Then I put all the separate blocks and pieces away until she came to visit again - I just didn't know what to do with them.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>She stepped up to the challenge to arrange them, and used some of the bigger leftover pieces to fill in between blocks. I sewed them all together into the center of the top while she was still here to correct any mistakes.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Then I made the spiky border following Gwen Marston's Liberated Quiltmaking II. I used up all the rest of the scraps to make some blocks and pieced the back. When I quilted it, my goal was to use different quilting designs in different areas and blocks. Maybe this can be seen in the picture of the back.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This was a really fun project to use up all the scraps and I would like to do this type of quilt again, with L's help, of course!</div></div></div>Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-19850882562486451452011-05-30T15:04:00.003-05:002011-05-30T15:08:39.205-05:00Confining the Pile<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvwb1_3TSOP41bvTpAmFYp99tRNzMO5L3Pb7hpY2PbDjX225lTALxSZ8fnefIe9SagCuw_hBoq4ziW9B3E9Z36tBO3m-Kh11xREX-GlWHoAVE4KMN5rljFulJaKqKKnsebRx_CYHHK-s/s1600/x5-30-11+015.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612603215197436850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvwb1_3TSOP41bvTpAmFYp99tRNzMO5L3Pb7hpY2PbDjX225lTALxSZ8fnefIe9SagCuw_hBoq4ziW9B3E9Z36tBO3m-Kh11xREX-GlWHoAVE4KMN5rljFulJaKqKKnsebRx_CYHHK-s/s320/x5-30-11+015.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><div>The fact is, a small, organized pile still looks like a messy, unorganized mess. So I found the perfect little basket at Target to contain my notepads for grocery and to-do lists, pens, crossword books, Bible, coupons and ads, etc. on my end table. Everything I need, within easy sight and reach, and much less messy.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612603211192954898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKRHc401YY_5QGHVAyq7dHR2aCOv3p_MUv1oQTWxRQOTUFVCZZdmVBg9u1oCZVWN_PTaookJ3EObYkmn_RjNWWUbZB1-2wqSSe6uUUJm67wY9R3TFbIGaMulEhV75XVynEW5T5Gg6ocU/s320/x5-30-11+017.jpg" /></div></div>Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-25901185848609638022011-05-27T13:34:00.005-05:002011-05-28T11:02:28.571-05:00Scrap Management<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tHXr4ON4VJjgnDf5Bc9XND1joZHb6dhNpMo-psXPrknBhrW2dGGX35UAvo3NRGbguO9gVZ7QN323Tn5qSM_LzMYmfCFbsO7rcVxB_FL5kFnhYUaVXwOHGQK2I8aGjT6K6SJ3sENGZAY/s1600/x5-27-11+003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611467454418191954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tHXr4ON4VJjgnDf5Bc9XND1joZHb6dhNpMo-psXPrknBhrW2dGGX35UAvo3NRGbguO9gVZ7QN323Tn5qSM_LzMYmfCFbsO7rcVxB_FL5kFnhYUaVXwOHGQK2I8aGjT6K6SJ3sENGZAY/s320/x5-27-11+003.jpg" /></a><br />I've been lucky to have a few hours of spare time lately, and my coworker and I took our cutting tools and mats to work for a few lunch time cutting sessions. We both managed to make big dents in our scrap piles - well, the piles are still there, but the scraps are cut into usable pieces now. She has an Accu-Go cutter, which was fun to try. I just used my ol' (dull) rotary cutter mostly. I've found I like having random strips, not necessarily with parallel sides, so I cut lots of them. The wonky log cabins were fun to make, so maybe having a bag of strips will inspire me to make more.<br /><br />When I put up the new shelves, I went to Dollar Tree for a few small storage containers. One find was these three green baskets. A few days ago, they were full of wadded up big and small fabric pieces. Some of them were ironed before cutting and that made it easier.<br /><br />Now I have just two baskets full, many squares in marked baggies, as well as a couple of bags labeled "Misc not sized" and "almost square" which will be good for points on wonky stars, etc. These baggies only take up two of the three baskets, so I have an empty one for more scraps!<br /><br />For your viewing pleasure:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611467449872106514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKxD8K3XKyCfW8yCxZ3GLc0ri7aFJ1eJo8FZcB4c_GjA4NP3LkUSk_rJxBZhYDI0y4VdiSqqUgxsuLheJBfkoUCIDcu9Vq3R_uNKXQhCpKwapVM6KtxCkxXnXxjw4cW5qMqatiHu9Aec/s320/x5-27-11+004.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611467450290690434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96Nb3SCP2vnQ2aTAlktmmvLqutwEQJts8mCZhamCcl87K-bDWp81mHdDKJIPK-Cys1FGXc6CIJ-8T0nSNWt7AnVE1E15GQvArI68S33u98KlRx9L0yx2eQ-bMGEWixJHmqk_qZuS8n44/s320/x5-27-11+001.jpg" /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><p>Check out some more empty spaces and decluttering ideas at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2011/05/52-weeks-21-embrace-the-empty-space.html">I'm An Organizing Junkie</a>.</p>Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-38549283988361198932011-05-21T21:45:00.011-05:002011-05-21T21:59:38.817-05:00Wonky Log CabinsI was reading blogs tonight and Vicki at <a href="http://www.sewinspiredblog.com/">Sew Inspired</a> wrote about some log cabin blocks she is making.<br /><br />She asked about how others make improv log cabins.<br /><br />As she does, I also have felt that maybe I was putting too much effort into fabric placement, which fabrics to use, etc.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609367105106898514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cmI2ECW_HykavS1KvpqcrOmfhAZRsF_sBvtHggGQAv8Ct-c2WmzVXRW21g_dwi5MPbfJ_Pb7JtoaUrm_HSVJJetEKsjAyZx7GrxlwC_dotsTBT2isSbM3XtkffmdWL6xsO2Ed-BYh_U/s320/8-7-10+003small.jpg" /><br />I made a baby quilt with wonky log cabins with fussy cut centers, and got so tired of making them that I stopped at 5 and made the alternate blocks as wonky 9-patches instead. I made each block individually, which meant even though I started with a pile of strips/scraps, I got up from the sewing machine after each seam, pressed it and cut the next side straight, and then often had to cut a strip or scrap to use as the next piece. That was time consuming and tiring.<br /><br />Recently I found a bunch of odd scraps from old 4-H workshops I taught, and wanted to use them as the centers of wonky log cabins. This time I allowed myself to be much more random.<br /><br />First I fussy cut the center pieces. Then I chose all the strips and scraps that were the colors I wanted to use. Then I started sewing them chain style, by sewing a piece on the right of each center.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609368007304949410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nQ21UgM9olKM3fNErmvKLbH68jD3QmHge2ER6KnnPA-TruUiaXzQRqJYcrBr2KdgXJt3FGHJbnmu2T_408xegSQLvYChQOJvyijfPJer0nZY99HnQQ9VFGnKQ8HKLJE8Hg8gr8ksKRs/s320/5-9-11+001.jpg" /><br /><br />I had 15 center pieces, so I didn't have to stop to press and trim until I had 15 sides on. I kept adding more pieces in the same way, pressing and trimming after every 15 seams. I purposely chose the shorter scraps and strips for the first rounds, leaving the longer ones for the end. And I did try to select fabrics to contrast with the previous piece on that block, such as using a green print after brown or red, etc., so one block wouldn't be too monotone. Even though it felt really random as I worked, it was fast and fun!<br /><br />The blocks are coming out great. I am adding a last round of beige with white dots. After that I may put sashing between the blocks - not sure yet. They are set aside while I finish up a couple of other projects.Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-17946279907452083432011-05-21T13:35:00.005-05:002011-06-03T10:50:30.545-05:00Sewing Closet Heaven<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWm6PnP5g5TmmaYSr3iis0K2ONkLkakJDOP6s08cq446b3Xw0zrwgql2KPp5ilWHMNqqdiv2is61JGtRksU_ZjXum8I1Ze0KrPazsp8ATOGqEsnqcQJQf89i9tUjdxtQbVoZ90Tx1SNYM/s1600/x4-30-2011+012.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609240189413305138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWm6PnP5g5TmmaYSr3iis0K2ONkLkakJDOP6s08cq446b3Xw0zrwgql2KPp5ilWHMNqqdiv2is61JGtRksU_ZjXum8I1Ze0KrPazsp8ATOGqEsnqcQJQf89i9tUjdxtQbVoZ90Tx1SNYM/s320/x4-30-2011+012.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Above you see the results of a big project that has made me very happy! In the past few weeks I have been able to clean out and totally reorganize my sewing closet, including putting up new Elfa shelves. Major improvement!!! I love the shelves. They are wonderful! Below: you might not want to look at it, but it's the embarrassingly messy before picture.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2011/06/52-weeks-22-whats-the-big-deal-about-labels.html">Organizing Junkie</a> talks about labels this week in her 52 weeks of organizing project. I have used lots of labels for a long time. You can see the colored labels on my fabric bins - they either note which color family is inside, or note other items such as elastic, notions, fabric type or pattern category. Sometimes labels help to know where to put things away more than where to find them later. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I've even taken on the role of Label Police at work to label bins and drawers in our storage areas, so even when the containers are empty due to the items are out for their intended use, everyone knows where to put them back, and knows if we need to purchase more consumables.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609240185806270018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dz-Z9k2CASWa00jGdfSgeQX78-VUWX5m4_YKfy6LxvBrT0nmID25DSgbhUIfwjAncLmKBEnS72tlLVPKckk21d9HXjfzaSX2uYUG0TNxnTJ5iWlScmIbxznHUMrz58Z7oeFN6s-_EsI/s320/x4-30-2011+004.jpg" /></div>Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-41159085697413283982011-05-14T17:52:00.004-05:002011-05-14T18:02:59.738-05:00Some Of the Quilts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxew9ko4yl-XXWN8yj4z-rap9rYzHrJ237GW1fcFu3apJn0PeXfzyDNW6SCtiGkcqwPXRNMJIoO_UNaGhg0nP6AJVYG73EUYBUe57fXff3FAulJQ7C_dulnIahGBpTXKRsvQlshrBHGuA/s1600/2-1-11+005.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606709867054929666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxew9ko4yl-XXWN8yj4z-rap9rYzHrJ237GW1fcFu3apJn0PeXfzyDNW6SCtiGkcqwPXRNMJIoO_UNaGhg0nP6AJVYG73EUYBUe57fXff3FAulJQ7C_dulnIahGBpTXKRsvQlshrBHGuA/s320/2-1-11+005.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KFT22642RRB4_ZaKblaGsAdMQ6dKtXMezhX4NlQQp52Ky2JEKB3kBRaYk8fb9bpD90yDM6dyHKMrInlGpiKluzRXiqc4P_NdubDwt2YuJIY3JFwQic2G_I7QwQobECNTRkRxEtqM8lw/s1600/x2-26-11+003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606709527879519282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KFT22642RRB4_ZaKblaGsAdMQ6dKtXMezhX4NlQQp52Ky2JEKB3kBRaYk8fb9bpD90yDM6dyHKMrInlGpiKluzRXiqc4P_NdubDwt2YuJIY3JFwQic2G_I7QwQobECNTRkRxEtqM8lw/s320/x2-26-11+003.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNK7tqPN-TACLiF3xOWJ7w1XBrxsGX5kS_Wtrxs1HYPLy9MxUiTRZ7_R_-JM4m8N0MuK_5LT_f6Z-9an81Jyem_cBsc0TloA0kJU-mOeLwaRP79b8jFfg7y07R-7S6vWcVg94gs0Vb6FU/s1600/3-17-11+009.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606709529076293234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNK7tqPN-TACLiF3xOWJ7w1XBrxsGX5kS_Wtrxs1HYPLy9MxUiTRZ7_R_-JM4m8N0MuK_5LT_f6Z-9an81Jyem_cBsc0TloA0kJU-mOeLwaRP79b8jFfg7y07R-7S6vWcVg94gs0Vb6FU/s320/3-17-11+009.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G8RvmHScmXyaHRyjtmSHpaCwKNRNuUVV5F43bFdynd9VasyMkC_GBtzSB_hrAClZUvyozkBGM4F5GPPTw2EjjJYbtA7xMIuBP0fPZVNzS9G1u9z_WprZSouuk4DqJP-Onf_8-nOLtCI/s1600/3-9-11+001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606709525742272578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G8RvmHScmXyaHRyjtmSHpaCwKNRNuUVV5F43bFdynd9VasyMkC_GBtzSB_hrAClZUvyozkBGM4F5GPPTw2EjjJYbtA7xMIuBP0fPZVNzS9G1u9z_WprZSouuk4DqJP-Onf_8-nOLtCI/s320/3-9-11+001.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><div>I've worked on the past few months. In order from the top down: a top made for DD#1's new bedroom. It is not yet quilted.</div><br /><div>A top in progress made for DD#2 - it has been added to and is now on the quilting machine and about half quilted.</div><br /><div>A quilt I made for DRH - the saw blade pattern worked out well to use up fabrics I'd been collecting for him for the past couple years. You can't see much but it has all his favorite things - tools, guitars, airplanes, wood textures, International Harvester logos, the moon, typewriter keys, baseballs, bikes and pretzels, and more.</div><br /><div>A quilt I made for my little granddaughter's toddler bed. DD#1 then made matching curtains with the leftover fabrics.</div></div></div></div></div>Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-52305130983227056252011-05-14T17:37:00.006-05:002011-05-14T17:42:51.053-05:00What Have I Been Doing?<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 278px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606705370516463746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYHmRiKletH32bVJ2g60bGVTWggWyf-iXwLYU2RcoMaNQ2zrEC5eJkriAzDgrj_gLQw34vbbJLZ88fuNvV4pUpbLXDif2Mi9qbThRwA9l5nWWnTqwH9nScqL8PwKa6SR2Z5ZUga9Qah8/s320/x5-14-11+002.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606705639401357506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DliQdW_-P5UKPRyS4SpphVGS9zbGTh1s8eU9l6_pQ9jQO6thzRHKmdvCJXhICBj78T2PnIqMUXsMLXUAFKwM8xqqPo4ld3Ow-RIXoaEMbFMgeS7ILovhi1VagGqmcjw3cYX2XJlAyJg/s320/x5-14-11+006.jpg" /> <br /><div><br />Just working, sewing, quilting, running, going to the gym, cleaning, having a new grandson, and being so busy I can't remember what else, except NOT blogging. But I think I might be starting up again.<br /><br />Today I spent making a man's thrifted shirt into a cute toddler dress and bloomers. I should've been cleaning and doing laundry, but I am tired of housework! And it rained all day so I couldn't go running either. I used all but the collar and a few scraps, so I added a little cotton print to make the bloomers.</div>Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392715541983632196.post-53174214412804696112010-07-30T13:14:00.004-05:002010-07-30T13:41:52.825-05:00Friday and the End of July<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 245px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499768129003416402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXK_ZAoKP0Du8xdrEXkxa7EuiaY-MFA-Nw2jmTSv7qkLs3kwi700AZ_JIdRndGZz2YNXAx9_kVnThVSXuYgpDXYMB8O75Fl2rVYina8Akt0Q3kmupt39YoLpTlOP8-qkqWov2U_zPWHk0/s320/relay+for+life+done.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDwGo57EId7CB5lCJxbj307aEVQ4U_tA6bAJgu6bIhm7sCrNSIaMRZiQQ2uOzshntTjV1lEcMDEz01KrHvXeQgCh1F3tkKQrsyA2STp6HqVjRSlpGifqoynmre5gpJo0ZCX4O4nDhEWk/s1600/7-21-10+004small.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499768124163541506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDwGo57EId7CB5lCJxbj307aEVQ4U_tA6bAJgu6bIhm7sCrNSIaMRZiQQ2uOzshntTjV1lEcMDEz01KrHvXeQgCh1F3tkKQrsyA2STp6HqVjRSlpGifqoynmre5gpJo0ZCX4O4nDhEWk/s320/7-21-10+004small.jpg" /></a> Boy this month has gone fast. From the first of the month to now seems like a flash of hot weather, busy days and mostly fun activities. The past week was the same, and here are my five favorites that I am grateful for this past week. See more Fave Fives at Susanne's blog <a href="http://susannesspace.blogspot.com/2010/07/fridays-fave-five-99.html">here</a>.<br /><br />1. Last weekend we spent in Indianapolis with friends. We enjoyed their company, went to car races, quilt and cross stitch shops, saw the downtown, sought the cool interiors (and drinks) of a couple of neat pubs downtown, shopped in the downtown mall (very nice), visited the Indiana State Museum, and in general explored the city while trying to stay cool. That was fun especially since we'd never been there before. The weather was cooperative in one way - none of the races got rained out!<br /><br />2. Went to the new local baseball team's game. The ball field is really nice, and shiny-new, and the weather was perfect for an evening outside.<br /><br />3. During the ride to Indy and back, I finished the binding on a baby quilt my sister made and I quilted for the Relay for Life. It's really cute. The second photo above shows how we were trying to decide on binding - we picked the red. I just haven't taken a photo since it's been finished. The first picture is the big quilt I made with my two daughters and my mother-in-law for the Relay auction, finished and displayed on the guest bed.<br /><br />4. Got to the gym twice and ran twice - felt good since I'd been skipping exercise occasionally lately due to busy schedules. And we ate pretty healthy several days this week. That always makes me happy.<br /><br />5. Started making some wonky I-spy blocks for a baby gift - really a spontaneous project with no plan and no time frame except the baby's due the first of September. This will be fun.<br /><br />Plans for the weekend include sewing, shopping, cleaning, running, cooking, visiting friends, and sleeping late (huh??). Have a great week!Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014979914427995183noreply@blogger.com7